What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is one of the body's fats. Cholesterol and another lipid, triglyceride, are important building blocks in the structure of cells and are also used in making hormones and producing energy.

Cholesterol is essential for our bodies to work, so why are there so many health warnings about high cholesterol levels? We look at what cholesterol does and why raised cholesterol is damaging to health.

To some extent, the cholesterol level in blood depends on what you eat but it is mainly dependent on how the body makes cholesterol in the liver.

Having too much cholesterol in the blood is not a disease in itself, but can lead to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the major vascular systems.

Why Are Cholesterol And Fat (Lipid) Important?

Cholesterol is not a fat. It has no calories and it is not fattening. Nevertheless, it is bad for our health.

Fat is fattening, of course, and it is also bad for our health. Cholesterol and fat are also known as lipids. Another name for fat is triglyceride.

It has been proven that high cholesterol level and triglyceride level are a significant contributor to heart disease. Lowering the cholesterol and triglyceride levels has been scientifically proven to prevent heart disease and prolong life.

This has been proven for men and women, young and old. Even people with established heart disease can slow the progression of their disease and prolong their life by lowering their cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The benefit of lowering the levels of cholesterol and fat is not something that takes a long time. Within six months of starting treatment for a high cholesterol level, the risk of heart disease is already reduced.

Lowering the serum cholesterol level achieves these benefits by slowing or preventing the growth of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. Some plaques may even get smaller with time. A lower cholesterol level also helps the arteries of the heart dilate during times of stress to provide additional blood flow to the heart muscle. Finally, many cholesterol lowering medications stabilize the atherosclerotic plaque so that it does not rupture-the process that is responsible for heart attacks.

What is Cholesterol?

For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol: a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein (HDL) and a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein (LDL).

LDL cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. LDL lipoprotein deposits cholesterol on the artery walls, causing the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Over time, cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis.

With HDL(good) cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women) puts you at higher risk for heart disease. In the average man, HDL cholesterol levels range from 40 to 50 mg/dL. In the average woman, they range from 50 to 60 mg/dL. An HDL cholesterol of 60 mg/dL or higher gives some protection against heart disease.

HDL has a useful effect in reducing tissue cholesterol and taking it back to the liver. HDL actually protects against atherosclerosis. LDL may contribute to diseases of the arteries (cardiovascular disease).

LDL-cholesterol level can be lowered by eating a low fat diet and, if required, taking medication.

HDL-cholesterol level can be raised by exercising.

Smoking, being overweight and being sedentary can all result in lower HDL cholesterol. To raise your HDL level, avoid tobacco smoke, maintain a healthy weight and get at least 30–60 minutes of physical activity more days than not.

Total cholesterol

is the sum of LDL (low density) cholesterol, HDL (high density) cholesterol, VLDL (very low density) cholesterol, and IDL (intermediate density) cholesterol.